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    Dell Wireless Cards... confusion...

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by onlycurious, Nov 18, 2007.

  1. onlycurious

    onlycurious Notebook Consultant

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    Dell has 3 options for their 1420's:

    Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g (included)
    Intel 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card (add $25)
    Dell Wireless 1505 Wireless-N Mini-card (add $50)

    Which of these are the best? I'm assuming from the price that the Wireless-N is the best one.

    Has anyone here used all three of these and know which one of these performs the best?

    Does wireless-N catch regular signals that the other 802.11's use??


    Edit: Wait, the ones you pay for are "Mini-cards"?? So are they the kinds you stick into the expansion slot?

    If I get the Mini-cards, do I still have the regular Dell 802.11g along with the Mini-card? I'm so confused... help!
     
    onlycurious, Nov 18, 2007
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  2. sinstoic

    sinstoic Notebook Deity

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    Actually Intel 4965AGN is the best. If that is not available then your next best bet is Intel 3945AG. Stay away from Dell cards, they have compatibility issues. Intel doesn't make exclusive N cards and these cards also work in G, B and sometimes A mode.
     
    sinstoic, Nov 18, 2007
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  3. onlycurious

    onlycurious Notebook Consultant

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    I have the dell wireless 802.11g and it works great... do you know which one is better performance wise? Intel or Dell?
     
    onlycurious, Nov 18, 2007
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  4. sinstoic

    sinstoic Notebook Deity

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    Intel cards are better both in performance and compatibility!
     
    sinstoic, Nov 18, 2007
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  5. ohiohockeymike

    ohiohockeymike Notebook Enthusiast

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    They are both going to preform just about the same, no real advantages in one over the other, the dell card is just a rebranded Broadcom wireless card.

    To be honest, the Dell card in my 1520 gets better range than the Intel wireless card in my IBM ThinkPad. Plus, the Dell gives a little better customizable options (tool kit) with its software.

    In the end, either one will do, so go for what's cheapest (with comparable specs).
     
    ohiohockeymike, Nov 18, 2007
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  6. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

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    They're all mini-cards (despite one not being labeled as such -- Dell can be inconsistent with labeling the options sometimes).

    For best range, get the N card.
    For best Linux support, get the Intel card.
    For best price, get the cheapest one. ;)

    Oh and yeah, N is backwards compatible with G, which is backwards compatible with B.
     
    swarmer, Nov 18, 2007
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